UNP Declines SJB May Day Invitation, Citing Poya Day and Ranasinghe Premadasa's Guidance

Adding a new dimension to the UNP's decision, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has sent a special letter to SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara. In this letter, Wickremesinghe conveyed greetings to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya's May Day rally. He also reiterated the UNP's decision to abstain from political activities on May 1st, which is Vesak Poya Day, and instead prioritize religious observances, citing that Vesak Day falls on May 1st this year according to the UN Charter.

Further clarification on the United National Party's (UNP) decision has emerged, with UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale issuing a statement reiterating the party's non-participation in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya's (SJB) or any other party's May Day rallies. The statement reaffirmed that the UNP had previously decided to dedicate May 1st, which falls on a Poya Day, to religious observances, aligning with the guidance of former Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa against political activities on such days.

Further details regarding the United National Party's (UNP) refusal of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya's (SJB) May Day invitation have emerged. The UNP's letter, formally declining the invitation, was dated April 27. In this letter, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale also acknowledged the public expectation for the UNP and SJB to work together, reiterating the party's decision to avoid political activities on Poya Day.